Rafa has defended the team selection that saw Liverpool dumped out of the Carling Cup by Arsenal.

After being beaten 3-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday, Benitez had stressed the importance of victory in Tuesday night's match, and was expected to name a strong line-up.

However, Benitez - like Arsene Wenger - named a weakened team for the clash, and paid the price when Julio Baptista hit four goals in a 6-3 win for the Gunners. But the Spaniard refused to accept the blame for the defeat.